Decorative, hunting, service. The list is incomplete without shepherd dogs. Name classes associated with the purpose of the dogs. They are the guardians of livestock, directing it to pastures and from them, repelling predators.

The last task was relevant centuries ago. Therefore, the first herding dog breeds distinguished by power, large size, ferocity. These were bred by the nomadic peoples of Asia. Once in Europe, the dogs began to change into smaller, nimble, docile and quick-witted. What are metamorphoses associated with? Let's figure it out.

History and features of herding dogs

shepherd dog shredded due to profile change. From the 17th century, wolves began to be shot so actively in Europe that they almost exterminated them. There was simply no one to protect the herds.

On the other hand, the need to protect the gardens of the sprawling cities from grass has become aggravated. This is what is called the trampling of allotments by cattle. The dogs were required to skillfully manage the herd during its distillation and grazing.

It no longer required rage and huge size. Don't fight a bear. However, though rare, attacks on herds continued. Therefore, fearlessness shepherd dogs saved.

In order to preserve the dogs themselves, Europeans focused on selecting dogs with colors that were different from the colors of the skins of predators and visible in the dark. People also protected their livestock and, at times, accidentally shot their four-legged helpers. After sad stories, buy a shepherd dog began to try a light color.

In accordance with their mission, shepherd dogs are proportionally built, physically developed and hardy. Running miles after herds over rough terrain is exhausting. Hairy all dogs are shepherds, too, for a reason.

Dense and long wool protects from rain, heat. The coat keeps body temperature even when it is 40-degree heat outside. In addition, wool is clogged in the mouths of attacking predators.

The fight against attacking predators in shepherd dogs is associated with a guard, not a hunting instinct. If the latter is developed, the dog will begin to be distracted from the main duties, because not only wolves run around the fields, but also hares,.

Representatives of the breeds of the group should not pay attention to them. The beast is of interest to dogs only when it threatens livestock.

In the photo shepherd dog border collie

From shepherd dogs, individuals expressing aggression towards humans, disobedience were rejected. Therefore, the heroes of the article are selflessly devoted to people, complaisant in dealing with the owners.

However, shepherd dogs are wary of strangers. Not only animals, but also people can damage the herd. Dogs instinctively know this, alerting them to the arrival of strangers with loud barks.

By nature, shepherd breeds are restrained and observant. These are not upstarts, barking with or without reason. But, if there is a reason, the dog can be aggressive. Allotments for pastures are usually divided among people.

The dog knows his territory and transfers this to apartment life. When starting a shepherd as a companion dog, you need to understand that the pet will guard his house, the plot with him, the path along which he walks, the car of the owners. However, we will talk about the nuances of the content of the heroes of the article in a separate chapter.

Shepherd dog care and maintenance

A shepherd dog in the house needs an observation post. The pet instinctively strives to keep the situation under control, to lie low and watch. Because of this, shepherd dogs are perceived by many as phlegmatic. However, in moments of danger and threat, dogs show miracles of reaction speed, dexterity and quick wits.

At home, shepherds are often considered aggressive. Meanwhile, up to 3-4 years old, dogs behave atypically. This is due to the late maturation of the shepherds.

The animal growling at the guests in the corridor is only an insecure puppy.shepherd dog asking for help from the owner. He must show that he is in control of the situation and there is nothing to worry about.

Pictured is an Australian Cattle Dog

Mindful of natural obstacles to the protection of herds, shepherd dogs are especially vigilant in the dark, fog, and smoky space. If the city has a strong smog, it is evening, it is better to take the pet on a leash.

The rest of the time, shepherd dogs walk perfectly without a leash, muzzles. However, you need to keep a distance with the four-legged. Approaching strangers and their attacks in his direction he perceives as an attack. In the crowd with a shepherd, they walk on a leash, controlling the behavior of the dog.

Alertness of shepherd dogs requires systematic socialization during puppyhood. Stroking from the owners gives positive emotions and fixes the touch in the mind as something pleasant.

Try to take your puppy to crowded places, play with him there and reward him with goodies. Raise calm and true friend. True, he will not stop barking. The need is connected with the notification of the surrounding expanses that there is a guard near the “herd” and it is not worth approaching.

Loud barking makes it problematic to keep shepherd dogs in an apartment building. The heroes of the article are more suitable for private dwellings. It is for dwellings, not enclosures in the yard. The exclusion from the family circle is hard for shepherds. The measure of disregard for educational purposes is also unacceptable.

Pictured is a Hungarian shepherd dog

To the owner shepherd dog It is important to prove your independence. Otherwise, the pet will perceive the owner as a weak unit in need of protection. From now on, even a relative will not be able to shake hands.

The dog will begin to defend the ward. They may be a child. The attitude of shepherd dogs to children, by the way, depends on education and socialization. Working dogs are not always patient with babies.

The physical data of shepherd dogs require long walks with pets. The heroes of the article are not for busy people. The four-legged need to devote at least a few hours a day. However, the nuances of care depend on the chosen breed. Let's look at a few popular ones.

Shepherd Dog Breeds

The list will open australian shepherd dog. It is ideal for driving cattle over long distances, but problematic in the house. Representatives of the breed crave constant work, action.

Every day, the dog should lie down and fall asleep "without hind legs." Lack of fatigue leads to behavioral problems. Energy begins to spill over into aggression, eccentricity, willfulness.

In the photo, the Hungarian shepherd dog Moody

On the photo shepherd dog Australia with medium length hair, erect ears, elongated muzzle. The animal is of medium height, lean and muscular. Genetically, the breed is a mixture brought by the colonialists and a wild dog. Later, blood was added. The first option was too biting and aggressive.

deserves attention and hungarian shepherd dog. It is also called mudi. Unlike Australian shepherds, representatives of Hungary are universal. Moody become not only shepherds, but also hunters, companions, search engines.

Dogs of the breed are especially good at detecting drugs. Hungarian dogs get along well with active people, whether they are hunters, fishermen or athletes. Only one person is recognized as the owner. The Mudi owner's family members are treated calmly.

Outwardly, the Hungarian Cattle Dog resembles. The same wedge-shaped head with a pointed muzzle and erect ears. Mudi sizes are medium. The coat of the dogs of the breed is moderately long, silky. The hair on the head and legs is curly.

french shepherd dog larger than its predecessors. At the withers, the dogs of the breed reach 70 centimeters. Pets weigh about 50 kilograms. The appearance of the shepherd is typical for shepherd dogs, since the breed belongs to them.

Pictured is a French shepherd dog Beauceron

Pictured is a French shepherd dog Briard

At the withers, Azorean dogs reach 60 centimeters and weigh more than 50 kilos. This indicates a dense, broad-boned and muscular physique of the representatives of the breed. There is in them something from terriers.

Like the latter, the Azorean shepherds are monogamous, hardly survive the change of owners. To strangers, representatives of the breed are overly aggressive, but they are distinguished by intelligence. This fact allows you to train pets.

In the hands of professional cynologists, shepherd dogs from the Azores become calm and accommodating to everyone. Only now, the breed is listed in the top 20 rarest dogs in the world. According to the price of the dog. For an animal with a pedigree, they ask for at least 800 US dollars.

Pictured Azorean Cattle Dog

Will complete the list bernese shepherd dog. Also known under the name . Representatives of the breed descended from the Roman Molossians. Outwardly, the sennenhund resembles, just as powerful, with a wide muzzle and slightly loose lips.

The power of the dog is associated with historical applications. In the old days, Bernese dogs were used not only as shepherds, but also as a draft force.

The nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog is docile for a shepherd dog. But you need space. Bernese dogs get along well in the yards of private houses. Don't put on a chain.

Pictured is a Bernese Cattle Dog, also called the Bernese Mountain Dog.

The house of the mountain dog is crowded, and the owners are uncomfortable, because the shepherd sheds all year round. The dog has a lot of hair, it is long. In general, you are going to clean sofas, clothes and floors.

In those days, when sheep, goats and cattle were domesticated by man, he also needed shepherd dogs. The main feature of herding dog breeds is the complete lack of hunting instincts, which would distract the dog from guarding the herd and make it chase the beast or, worse, attack poultry and animals.

Shepherd dogs are called shepherd dogs, which indicates their main occupation. For many centuries, various breeds of herding dogs were bred from the first primitive breeds, in which the connection with their original profession remained only in the name of the breed. "Shepherd". In addition to the lack of a hunting instinct, a shepherd dog must be distrustful of strangers, devoted to its owner, sensitive, fearless and very hardy, which will allow it to guard the herds around the clock.

Practically in all countries with developed animal husbandry and extensive pastures, their own shepherd breeds of dogs were bred. So in Slovakia, the main assistant to the shepherds was "Slovak dude". And in the Hungarian lowlands with traditional grazing, three breeds of shepherd dogs were bred. "bullets", "komondor" and the youngest of them "pumi" obtained from crossing Hungarian shepherds with "pomeranian". Komondor and puli are covered with thick and long hair, which perfectly protects dogs from any vagaries of the weather.

In Switzerland, shepherd dog breeds were bred in isolation and did not cross with other breeds, remaining in pure form as an example of purebred breeding. The largest of which can be called "smooth-haired swiss shepherd dog", which reaches a height of up to 70 cm at the withers. A little smaller than the long-haired "Bernese shepherd dog" reaching a height of up to 65 cm at the withers. Next come "appenzel" and "Entlebuchskaya" reaching a height at the withers up to 55 and 40 cm. respectively.

Another pronounced representative of a closed breed is "pyrenean sheepdog", originally from the Spanish Pyrenees. This is a long-haired, powerful dog of white or gray patches. In France, there are also several locally bred breeds and these dogs are not found in other countries. Surely not everyone has heard of such breeds as the Bosseron, Briard, Berger de Garrigue, Berger de Pirene, Berger de Langdoc or Berger de Picardy.

In England, well-known representatives of shepherd dogs are "collie", "sheltie", as well as "bobtail". undersized "welsh corgi" much less known than his eminent compatriots, although very intelligent and reputed to be the favorite breed of the royal family.

In Belgium, their own breeds of shepherd dogs were also bred, which, thanks to their talents and versatility, became known far beyond the borders of their homeland and are now mainly used as service dogs. Longhair "Grunendael" black color, also long-haired but red-yellow color with a black tint "tervuren", short-haired but of the same color "malinois" and wirehaired "Laekenois".

The dog became his constant companion in the pastures. This four-legged friend not only helped herd herds, but also protected them from the attack of predatory animals. At first, all shepherd dogs were called shepherd dogs, and only after many centuries were shepherd dog breeds identified.

And all this time, from the first primitive breeds, those that possess the necessary set of qualities were carefully derived:

• Average body size with a proportional physique.
• Endurance and developed muscles - for large and prolonged loads.
• Thick coat with undercoat - for protection from bad weather or heat.
• Poorly developed hunting instinct (so that the dog is not distracted from its direct duties).
• Excellent security qualities, distrust of strangers. If necessary, the dog can chase the beast.
• Selfless devotion to the owner.
• Courage and bravery.

Geography of breeding shepherd dogs

The geography of the countries where shepherd dog breeds were bred is quite extensive. Moreover, the more animal husbandry is developed in the state, the more breeds of dogs of this category it is home to.

For example, Hungary has become home to five common breeds of herding dogs - Commander, Puli, Pumi, Mudi and Hungarian Kuvasz. The first two are long-haired, capable of excellently enduring even the most severe weather. The Pumi is a relatively young breed, developed by crossing a Puli and a Pomeranian. It is used not only as a herd guard, but also watchdog, as well as a rodent exterminator. And the Hungarian shepherd dog (moody) is an even younger breed, obtained by crossing several breeds, including puli and pumi.

Slovakia, in which there is no mountainous terrain, and, accordingly, livestock breeding is less developed, in its history has bred only one breed of shepherd dogs - the Slovak Chuvach, which is closely related to the Hungarian kuvas.

English shepherd dogs are very popular. This is the well-known collie (Scottish shepherd), as well as sheltie, bobtail. You can often see small handsome Welsh Corgis. It was this breed of dog that was preferred The Royal Family And the dog of this breed was presented by the king as a gift to his daughter Elizabeth II. And all because their representatives are very smart, they can perfectly overcome difficulties and perform their functions.

Swiss breeds of herding dogs are one of the few remaining, thanks to the skillful actions of breeders, in their pure form to today. Four types of Swiss Shepherds with a unique color in the form of a tricolor - this is a significant contribution of Switzerland to the science of cynology. A large mountain dog (or a large mountain dog) has as much as 72 cm at the withers and has a smooth coat. The Bernese shepherd dog (Bernese Mountain Dog) is already long-haired, with a withers of 65 cm. Well, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are short-haired, 58 and 35 cm, respectively. The photo shows a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Contributed to the breeding of shepherd dogs and Belgium. And very weighty. Breeds of dogs were bred in Belgium, the herding qualities of which correspond to a high level and are valued all over the world. Versatility, excellent guarding abilities, a similar physique, a height of 62 cm at the withers - these are the Belgian shepherd dogs. They differ only in color and type of coat. So, they have long black hair, and representatives of the Tervuren breed differ from the first in a bronze color with a black tint. Another shepherd dog, the Malinois, has the same color but with a shorter, tighter coat. But the Laekenois is a breed of wire-haired Belgian shepherd dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog

It is a cattle breed, and it got its second name, healer, thanks to the manner of grabbing cattle with its teeth by the lower part of the hind limbs (from the English heel - heel) when driving the herd.
The Australian Cattle Dog has a body length of 44-51 cm, its color can vary from red to dark gray. This is an extremely unpretentious and hardy animal, always active and ready for decisive action. The ideal conditions for a dog are to be outdoors most of the time. Gets along well with other animals. With vigilance and a strong grip, the dog also shows nice results in detention work.

The history of the origin of the breed dates back to the middle of the XIX century, when the development of the Australian state of New South Wales took place. Together with cattle, cattle breeders also brought herding dogs here - Smithfields (black bobtails), which were not adapted to the heat, were too large and noisy, which frightened the animals.
The first attempt of farmers to cross a Smithfield with a dingo (in 1830) was not successful: red short-tailed dogs worked quietly, but bit strongly. An unsuccessful attempt was also made to cross a Rough Collie with a Bull Terrier. And in 1840, the landowner Thomas Holya ordered two collies from Scotland (black-blue and gray-black-marble), which were then crossed with dingoes. This is how the Australian Cattle Dog with a blue color was obtained. It should be noted that the same was done by the farmer J. Elliot from Queensland, and some still call this breed Queensland. A little later, Sydney farmers mixed Dalmatian blood into the healers, thanks to which the breed inherited the mottled-roan “shirt” pattern.
The breed received its recognition in 1903 thanks to Robert Kaleski, who initiated its first standard. In 1963 it was released in a modern interpretation, and in 1987 its latest FCI version was released. In 1979, the standard was approved by the AKC. The recognition of the breed has also been confirmed by the SCS, UKC, KCGB and ANKC.

Australian kelpie

The breed got its name from the kelpie water mentioned in the work of Louis Stevenson.

The Australian Kelpie is a very active dog, with an excellent combination of muscular strength and great limb flexibility. It has a high intellect, is distinguished by loyalty to a person and devotion to work. Despite its average size (43-58 cm at the withers), the dog does an excellent job of grazing even cattle. Has a short coat of black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate or smoky blue.

The history of the origin of the breed is not fully understood. The first mention of it dates back to 1870. The version that the emergence of the breed was the result of crossing with a wild one is widely spread. The Australian kelpie really has the habits inherent in a wild dog. For example, when grazing, it bends its head to the ground, as if sneaking up on a victim. In general, dogs of this breed can herd a thousand sheep alone. In their work, they use techniques such as biting defiant animals on the legs, as well as jumping on their backs to quickly reach the other end of the herd.
The breed has been recognized by the FCI standard.

Azores dog

Dogs of this breed are extremely rare. Only directly on the Azores, and occasionally at competitions and exhibitions, you can meet its representatives. Although the Azorean shepherd dog invariably enjoys well-deserved popularity in its homeland, excellent working qualities, as well as boundless devotion to the owners, make these animals real favorites of the family.

Azorean dogs belong to the category of cattle dogs, they are distinguished by a rather lively temperament, they perfectly cope with the function of grazing cows and other cattle, they are excellent guards. The breed is characterized by a height at the withers, corresponding to 48-60 cm, and has a short brindle coat.

This breed of dog has another name - Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel (Cau Fila de San Miguel) - identical to the name of the largest of the Azores. The fact is that during the period of active expansion of their possessions by Portugal, in 1427, Henry the Navigator discovered Azores. The presence of lush vegetation and the absence of mammals on them became an obstacle to the settlement of the islands by people. Then Henry gave the order to bring cattle to the island of San Miguel, and already in 1439 there were abundant herds of animals on it, gradually running wild without human presence. That's when the need for a shepherd dog arose. The dogs brought by the settlers died out, but their crossing with other Molossians gave birth to a different breed, which got its name in honor of the island.
Thanks to almost complete isolation over the centuries, the Azores shepherd dogs have kept the purity of the breed. And only the development of external relations gave rise to the danger of losing her purebredness. Therefore, in 1995, a breed standard recognized by the FCI was described.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog breed is one of the oldest (more than 2000 years old).
It is also one of largest breeds(up to 75 cm at the withers, 45-70 kg). According to the type of coat, dogs of this breed are short-haired, with an intermediate length, as well as long-haired. But they all have a thick undercoat. The color can be wolf-gray, brown, fawn, red and mottled.

There are two versions of the history of the origin of the breed. According to one of them, the breed originated from the Tibetan Great Danes and dates back to 1211 BC. BC, when the Chinese emperor Zhou was presented with one of these dogs. However, there are images of similar animals on the remains of the Caucasian state of Urartu (7th century BC).
But no matter which version they adhere to, one thing is clear - the ancient dog breeders did their best. The dog is smart, hardy, copes well with shepherd and guard duty, has determination and courage.

Collie

The bright appearance and impeccable nature of this dog captivate even those who are neutral towards our four-legged friends. Of course, we are talking about the Scottish Shepherd, Collie. The price of a puppy with a pedigree knowingly starts from 15,000 rubles - after all, its representatives are the standard of canine beauty, devotion and intelligence.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the breed. According to one of them, it is associated with a variety of Scottish sheep colley. On the other - with the word coaly, which means "coal" in translation. Well, the third assumes the connection of the name with English word collar, which translates as "collar" and indicates the chic mane and frill inherent in this breed. The royal appearance, proud posture of its representatives, muscular physique, graceful movements, as well as magnificent thick and long hair, were appreciated by Queen Victoria traveling through the Scottish lands. And since 1860 collies began to take part in exhibitions. Since then, selection work with the breed has been focused exclusively on the exterior and did not concern the working characteristics of the dog.

Today the collie is the epitome of intelligence and beauty in the canine world. The sharp mind of the dog allows her to master not only the standard set of commands, but also learn the meanings of many words. Dogs are obedient, quick-witted, become excellent friends and helpers for children. In a word, if you decide to get a collie puppy, the price that you pay for a purebred breed, although it will be rather big, will fully meet your expectations from the acquisition.

Sheepdog from Portugal

The Portuguese Shepherd has long been valued for its shepherd qualities. The manner of her behavior is to drive the cattle by barking, as well as silently bypassing the flock or herd when they are grazing.
This is a medium sized dog (42-55 cm, 12-18 kg) with thick, long and slightly coarse hair. There is no undercoat. Modern representatives of the breed are predominantly black in color, but there are also individuals of gray, reddish, yellow and brown color.
As you might guess from the name, the native breed is Portugal, or rather, its regions of Alentejo and Ribatero. Specialists admit a close relationship with such breeds as the Briard, the Pyrenean and the Catalan Sheepdog.
Excellent watchdog qualities, tolerance to various weather conditions and unpretentiousness in food, as well as energy, vigilance, and at the same time calm and poise - all these qualities are inherent in Portuguese Shepherd Dogs.

romanian shepherd dog

The Romanian Shepherd Dog breed probably originated as a result of crossing herding dogs of various breeds, possibly Slavic and Turkish.
A dog of this breed is characterized by a white color (or with brown spots), which is very convenient - such a dog is not afraid of sheep, it cannot be confused with wolves. The coat is straight, thick, of medium length. The dog has a height at the withers of about 58-66 cm, weight in the range of 32-45 kg, strong bones, a short and strong neck, well-developed muscles.

Romanian Shepherds are very reliable herders, perfectly adapted to the harsh local conditions. These are very hardy dogs with a lightning-fast reaction and innate aggressiveness. The breed is quite rare and little known beyond the borderline of its homeland.

Czech dog

The Czech Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest breeds and possibly the forerunner of the famous German Shepherd.
These shepherd dogs are 50-55 cm tall and weigh 15-25 kilograms. They have a proportional head and an elongated muzzle. The ears are pointed, medium in size, located at a close distance from each other and set high. The muscular body of the body also has a strong skeleton. A saber-shaped tail completes the perfect exterior. The coat is straight, elongated (up to 12 cm), with a thick, well-developed undercoat, thanks to which the dog remarkably tolerates both severe frosts and summer heat. The coat is black with reddish tan markings on the cheekbones, around the eyes, on the chest, front of the neck and on the limbs.
Having a lower height and weight than other working dogs, the Czech Shepherd Dog is more comfortable to keep, more agile, very active and quickly gets to work.
It should be noted that, along with the official, the breed has other names, one of which is the Chodsky dog ​​(from the Czech ethnic group "moves", which has long guarded the way to Germany in the mountains of the Czech Republic). The history of the breed begins in the 13th century, and in the 16th century its breeding was already at a professional level.

Then, in 1984, the restoration of the breed began thanks to the work of Wilem Kurz and Jan Findeis. In one cynological publication, photos of the Chodsky Shepherd Dog were published and an appeal to readers to report the presence of such dogs. For example, between 1985 and 1992 35 litters of dogs of this breed have been registered. In 1997, Findeis introduced the official standard for the Czech Cattle Dog.

South Russian

A distinctive feature and pride of the breed is its coat. First, it is soft, silky and very long. On the head, the hair covers the muzzle and reaches the tip of the nose, on the legs it forms a kind of felt boots. Coat color can vary from pure white to yellowish and smoky. But this harmless, as it seems at first glance, appearance hides a rather aggressive nature, designed to carry out shepherd and guard duty.

How did the South Russian Shepherd Dog appear? The history of the breed dates back to 1797, when Asturian shepherd dogs were brought to Tavria, along with the first pairs of fine-wooled Spanish sheep, to help cattle breeders. Being excellent shepherds, these dogs had a significant drawback. small stature and light build made them very vulnerable to local steppe wolves. Therefore, sheep breeders needed to turn the dogs they brought into stronger ones, without losing their existing shepherd skills. By infusing the Asturian four-legged shepherds with the blood of Tatar shepherds, local greyhounds, Russian canine greyhounds, they bred a breed of dogs with such qualities as endurance, speed in running and viciousness towards predators. At the same time, the dog is unpretentious in content, smart, affectionate with its own and has a lightning-fast reaction. Breeding work was carried out in the famous Askania-Nova estate, so the breed was called the South Russian Shepherd Dog. Sometimes this shepherd is also called Ukrainian.

But unfortunately, the breed has not yet become popular. The fact is that during the First and Second World Wars, due to the reduction in the number of sheep, the development of the breed ceased. As a result, by 1945, only true connoisseurs of the breed, as well as local shepherds, had rare specimens of the breed. Of course, since then the number of dogs has increased, but the breed has not gained popularity. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the activity of the animal is such that a lot of space is required, which is impossible in apartment conditions. Modern sheep breeding no longer needs so many service dogs. And other skills, for which shepherd dog breeds have the ability, have not been mastered by the South Russian Shepherd Dog.

Shepherd dogs are very important in working with livestock. Any farmer will tell you that it would be extremely difficult to keep livestock without them. AT different countries the right to be called the best shepherd dog belonged to different breeds. In the UK, there are even special competitions to identify the best shepherd dog.

Australian kelpie

Australian kelpie- one of the best herding dog breeds. Representatives of this breed have a unique quality that distinguishes them from other breeds of dogs, including shepherds - this is a wide viewing angle. Thanks to this quality, Australian kelpies can control a large area, so to speak, without turning their heads. Dogs of this breed are valued by farmers not only at home, in Australia, but also abroad.

Border Collie

Border Collie hails from the UK. These smart, active, obedient dogs are perfect for their "purpose" - shepherd and guard work. Border collies love to work, they can help the owner 24 hours a day and be happy from it. Farmers in Great Britain and its former colonies value dogs of this breed for their endurance, independence and high intelligence. In 2009, scientists at the University of British Columbia recognized the Border Collie. smartest living dog breeds.

Australian Heeler

Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog, - an indispensable animal for cattle driving. In this component of the shepherd's "work" they have no equal. The "mastery" of Australian Cattle Dogs was especially appreciated by breeders. Today, the name “Australian Heeler” is more commonly used, which also confirms the peculiarity of the “work” of these dogs, because “heel” is translated from of English language means "heel". Dogs of this breed are indispensable for grazing, driving and driving cattle. They keep a close eye on the cattle, following it literally on its heels. Healers work well together as a team.

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Brief description of herding dogs

The herding group consists directly of sheep and shepherd dogs. The border collie is recognized as the smartest among the shepherds, while ordinary collies, as well as corgis, are the most popular shepherd dogs. At a time when other working dogs are called upon to guard cattle and farm property, the task of the collie is to monitor the grazing flock and direct its movement. Its functions herding dog breeds performed by running, barking, biting the animals slightly and making direct eye contact with the flock.

Most modern herding dogs have never seen sheep or any other livestock, but many show natural instincts even at home. This is especially pronounced in families with children, when the four-legged begin to control the children, a kind of imitation of grazing. In most cases, this behavior is completely safe, but during the game, the owners of shepherd dogs have probably noticed how their little family friend runs around the kids. Some of them try to step on the heels of the child, which is no longer entirely safe. That is why it is necessary to always supervise dogs while playing with children and never leave them unattended.

Shepherd breeds dogs They are unusually intelligent and actively respond to positive teaching and training methods. The animal will be happy to follow your commands if it understands that for this it will receive praise or a treat. Shepherd dogs are extremely active, because they love to live in families where there is movement, games, in general, where there is fuss. If you do not meet the described conditions, or if one of the family members likes peace, then the shepherd breed will most likely not suit you.

Shepherd dogs they love various exercises and competitions, which is why they are happy to walk, run with their owner or accompany him during cycling. Such classes by a dog are perceived precisely as competitions, which causes a lot of emotions in the animal.

Shepherd dogs usually medium or large size. Their coat can be varied. Some breeds are quite suspicious of strangers, but most of them are very friendly and affable. Shepherd dogs- wonderful companions and friends, which is why the animal will join almost any family that loves fun and activity.